Quetta

The civilization of Baluchistan predates the Greco-Roman and Nile civilization, going back to 3500 B.C. Baluchistan is the largest province of Pakistan with an area of 347,190 sq km. The people here still wear their traditional costumes, which date back to centuries.

Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan, has been witness to countless invasions of the sub-continent and retains the charm of pastoral peace that distinguishes it from other cities of comparable size. It is a picturesque hill station surrounded by high mountains intersected by long, narrow valleys linked by passes, among which the Bolan Pass is famous in history as many of the invaders from Central Asia penetrated the sub-continent through this route.

After the 13th century, the Moguls ruled Quetta until 1559 A.D. It later became a bone of contention between the Moguls and Safavid Kings of Iran until 1709, when Gilzais, Brahuis and Quarranis ruled it until the British finally occupied it in 1839.

Quetta is an ideal summer resort. Situated nearby is Ziarat, a beautiful valley with one of the largest juniper forests in the world, the average age of the trees being about 300 years. In addition to being a well-known summer resort, it is famous for its bracing climate and abundant supply of fruits.